A new legal battle has erupted around the controversial US$6.2 million corruption case.
The case involved former Finance and Development Planning, Minister Samuel D. Tweah, and several ex-government officials.
Lawyers for the defendants filed a temporary stay order from the Supreme Court in the wake of escalating investigation into “juror tampering.”
The latest development unfolded on Wednesday, May 20, when defense lawyer, Arthur Tamba Johnson, convened a press conference at his Center Street law office in Monrovia, where he criticized the judiciary’s ongoing probe into jurors, who served in the case.
Johnson announced that Supreme Court Justice in Chambers Yussif D. Kaba, had issued a “temporary stay order” suspending further proceedings connected to the juror investigation.
The order will remain in standing until the High Court review the case.
The announcement came hours after Criminal Court ‘C’ commenced a closed-door investigation into allegations of jury tampering linked to the case.
“All entrances to the court were locked during the proceedings.”
Such report, heightened public curiosity and political tension surrounding the matter.
Notably, Johnson himself did not participate in the proceedings while the investigation was ongoing.
Johnson described the investigation “unconstitutional, illegal, and politically motivated.” He insisted that the trial court no longer has authority over jurors, who had already completed their civic duty and returned to private life following the verdict.
“The jury has been discharged. They have returned to their homes. The court lacks the jurisdiction to recall and investigate them in this manner,” Johnson said.
He meanwhile, accused the government of manipulating the entire case “just for Samuel Tweah to go to jail.
Johnson argued that any legitimate allegations of jury misconduct should follow an entirely different legal process, and not be handled through an “improper judicial fishing expedition.”
“This is a witch-hunt. The court does not have the legal power or jurisdiction to investigate them for jury tampering in the current form.”
Johnson said, the investigation threatens the sanctity and independence of the country’s jury system by creating fear among ordinary citizens, who may later be called upon to serve in politically sensitive cases.
He then warned that allowing judges to revisit jurors after verdicts have been rendered could establish a dangerous precedent capable of undermining public confidence in the justice system.